CyberLink Unveils PowerDirector 9, First 64-bit Consumer Version

Long noted for its speed compared with other consumer video-editing software, CyberLink PowerDirector came out with a new version today with support for 64-bit CPUs, the first of any consumer-level video editing software with that capability. The Ultra64 edition of the new PowerDirector 9 also lets users burn Blu-ray disc authoring and sells for $99.95. A version without those capabilities, called Deluxe, costs $69.95.

Both editions allow powerful video editing sped up by graphics hardware acceleration and use of multiple CPU cores, disc-menu authoring, and many output options. In addition to Blu-ray, the software can now create AVCHD discs and file for high-definition playback using regular DVDs in a Blu-ray player. The software can also directly upload digital movies to YouTube and Facebook.

"When designing PowerDirector 9 we focused on four fundamental aspects of the video-editing process  speed, power, creativity, and sharing," said Alice H. Chang, chief executive of CyberLink. "Through innovations and significant advancements to existing technologies we have been able to deliver a product that will dramatically improve consumers' video editing experience."

The 64-bit edition will not only free videographers from the 4GB memory limitation of 32-bit systems, but also reduces latency, improves system efficiency, and enables the simultaneous processing of multiple HD video files, according to CyberLink.

//Related Articles

PowerDirector's target audience ranges from those just getting into creating movies out of the clips shot with their digital camcorders or video-capable digital cameras, for whom the software offers a Magic Movie Wizard feature to create a final product complete with transitions and text titles, to more advanced users who want to employ techniques like key-frame, multiple picture-in-picture, time codes, and chroma keying. Up to 100 tracks of video and audio can run simultaneously for a multitude of effects.

Would-be Spielbergs can also use the software's anti-shake stabilization, speed up, slowdown, brightness and color adjustments, hundreds of transitions and effects, and a newly added WaveEditor sound editor to perfect soundtracks. A particle effect tool allows for custom overlays of moving objects. Users also get access to an online community of people on the company's DirectorZone site, from which they can download thousands of effects, templates, tips, tutorials and DVD menus.

A free trial version of the software is available from CyberLink. The trial is limited to 30 days and adds a watermark to user's creations, among other limitations. The full software release is available from CyberLink in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Look for a full tested review of PowerDirector 9 on PCMag.com in the coming days.

Michael Muchmore is PC Magazine’s lead analyst for software and Web applications. A native New Yorker, he has at various times headed up PC Magazine’s coverage of Web development, enterprise software, and display technologies. Michael cowrote one of the first overviews of Web Services (pretty much the progenitor of Web 2.0) for a general audience. Before that he worked on PC Magazine’s Solutions section, which in those days covered programming techniques as well as tips on using popular office software. Most recently he covered Web...
More »

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service

//our current issue

Select Term:

24 issues for $29.99 ONLY $1.25 an issue! Lock in Your Savings!

12 issues for $19.99ONLY $1.67 an issue!

State

Country

This transaction is secure

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service